Josh Hazlewood Excluded from T20I Series Against West Indies, Young Talents to Shine

Australia's star bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the T20I series against the West Indies to rest after a rigorous Test series. This decision opens the door for young talents Jake Fraser-McGurk and Xavier Bartlett, who have been performing well in domestic cricket. With Hazlewood's absence, the selectors aim to manage player workloads effectively while giving emerging players a chance to prove themselves. The updated squad features a mix of experience and youth, setting the stage for an exciting series ahead.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 12, 2025, 12:29 IST

Hazlewood's Absence from Upcoming Series

Australia's leading fast bowler, Josh Hazlewood, will not participate in the forthcoming T20I series against the West Indies. The decision was made by the team management to allow him some rest after a demanding Test series, ensuring he is fit for the upcoming white-ball matches against South Africa next month.

Managing Player Workload

At 33 years old, Hazlewood has recently played a significant number of Test matches, prompting selectors to manage his workload carefully. This rotation strategy aims to minimize injury risks and keep players ready for future competitions. His absence opens the door for younger players to showcase their skills and earn a place in the squad.

Emerging Players Join the Squad

Jake Fraser-McGurk and Xavier Bartlett have been called up as replacements. Both have shown impressive performances in domestic cricket and recent franchise leagues. Fraser-McGurk, known for his aggressive batting style, made his T20I debut last September and has played seven matches, scoring a personal best of 50 runs. His ability to start innings quickly has caught the attention of many.

Bartlett will fill in for Hazlewood and Spencer Johnson, who is currently sidelined due to a back injury. As a young left-arm fast bowler, Bartlett has already taken 22 wickets in just nine international appearances, including four wickets on his debut at the MCG.

Opportunity for Growth

Both Fraser-McGurk and Bartlett have also played for the San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket. This marks their return to the Australian team since last November, presenting a significant opportunity for them to solidify their positions in the regular white-ball squad.

Australia's T20 Squad for West Indies

The updated Australian T20 squad for the series against the West Indies includes: Mitchell Marsh (c), Sean Abbott, Cooper Connolly, Tim David, Ben Dwarshius, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Aaron Hardie, Xavier Bartlett, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Matt Kuhnemann, Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Owen, Matthew Short, and Adam Zampa.